Random Sermons and songs glorifying God and wanted to share with the world….well you. Be blessed and love well. I pray Holy Spirit speaks to you as impactfully as He did me.
Always remember this FACT. REAL TALK evangelism isn’t intimidating, no degrees needed or incredible miracles to have taken place. Just dont be bashful about Our love for God or more importantly His love for even the “worst” of us. So join us in spreading God’s reality in Your life simply by feeling free to like or leave your comments on what God revealed in watching these videos sermons and songs….or heck just anything He’s doing in your life.
Join the RawDisciple Ministry army simply by being raw and real about your faith and experiences. Never forgetting it is not yours or my job to convince anyone of God, that’s the responsibility of Holy Spirit. You/we/I just follow God’s will and for every one of us it is to not merely love in words or speech (or cliches) its to love in action. If we are doing that to the best of our ability we have seized to be the problem i.e. selfishness, greed, hate….the list goes ad infinitum and we are now God’s hand bringing light to a dark, and very lost and hurting word. It’s that simple. Love God and love others more than yourself….it almost makes me weep how impossibly broken and lost the world is but then I smile because from 1995-2012 (29 years of my 41 years on this earth I was so broken beyond repair I had given up on myself….I blamed God, I hated God…yet to this day my lack of logical reasoning can’t understand how I hated someone for so long yet didn’t believe in Him.
Category: Declaration
Faith
Faith sometimes shaken by life’s commotion
Imperative to remember faith isn’t emotion
An equally simple and difficult deal
Especially when overwhelmed with how we feel
What is heard
What is seen
No matter what into His presence we’ll lean
Every time in the end we will see
The pain or struggle is what had to be
With every trial is something learned
Even if we hate the way things turned
What we want may not be what we need
Keep a fertile heart so He can plant His seeds
Always He will refine our soul
Admittedly sometimes with a heavy toll
Remembering there is always a reason
For each and every painful season
In the moment there can be such pain
Must ask ourselves in this what can we gain
Divine directive
Perhaps a fresh perspective
At times we simply may not know
What His Spirit is trying to show
To walk in faith with Him above
Our main objective must be to love
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Hope
I’ve walked so aimlessly through life
A heart filled with love but producing strife
It was never my intention
To be a man of such internal contention
Peace and rage
Love and hate
Can’t allow this battle to be my fate
As of now I must choose a path
The direction contrary to self imposed wrath
To stew in all the evil done
Feels identical to nibbling on a gun
In that choice there is no hope
I’m tired of being on that downward slope
Further and faster down it went
Finally hit the point where I’m just spent
Deciding that it can’t go on
Already all I love is gone
It doesn’t have to be for good
Finally this I understood
Unfortunately I can’t go back
But I can start on the right track
Each decision
Every choice made
Slowly hopelessness will fade
Never again to be who I became
Final conclusion, I’m over that game
Now I know what I must do
With His help I can be brand new
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Love is a Verb, Not a Feeling
My Reality
Facing our past can be rough
My reason for running is unresolved stuff
I can’t do that anymore
Lest I find myself facedown on the floor
I’m exhausted of feeling despair
Changing perspective is helping me to care
Forced to face my past
Only way my new found hope will last
I must let go of what I’ve done
Simply focusing on that I’m His son
I’m not hopeless
I’m not lost
I believe this cause He paid the ultimate cost
Love, not in words but in how I act
This right here is a fact
The last few years have been the worst
The reason, I stopped putting others first
If you want to feel free
That right there is the key
To love others instead of you
This right here’s what we’re called to do
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Blessed
So many things I took for granted
The view of my world was ignorantly slanted
What is
What could of been
My lack of gratitude I’m beginning to see
Changing this perspective is setting me free
The lifetime of miserable knots that entangled
Where most of my life I felt strangled
They kept me shackled
They kept me down
Now I stop, breath and truly look around
Pondering how bad it really could be
Easiest to take for granted the fact I can see
Due to relationships I have blown
I’d complain to myself that I’m all alone
This pity party just isn’t fair
Upon reflection I have many that care
Some long lasting
Some brand new
Remembering the positive is what I must do
This now I see
I understand
It’s all thanks to the loving Father’s hand
I should be in prison
I should be dead
But I’m on my millionth second chance instead
Thank You Lord for Your grace
Your loving hand
I praise God that now this I understand
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Evangelize Transparently
God Has a Purpose for Your Pain
I am Here for You
Jesus and I Am Here for You
If you feel alone, lost or in pain I am here for you. If this video speaks to you contact me at rawdiscipleministries@gmail.com
I am Here as a loving ear, for prayer or just a caring person who will listen to you.
Revelation
Not focusing that my life is in ruin
Concentrating on the positive I’m doing
Nothing monumental or grand
Every day,each decision learning to be a man
Shown in action by each choice
Not empty promises conveyed by my voice
Doing good, doing right everyday
Simply enough keeps my chaos at bay
Trying to understand why self destruction held me so tight
With everyone, but mostly me I would fight
Such past tramas and pain in tow
Little by little learning to let those things go
Self imposed shackles that kept me down
Living my life with a somber tattooed frown
It’s no way to live
To simply exist
In my life so many beautiful things missed
The growth of my kids
The embrace of my wife
Because of my doing it’s been a miserable life
Worst part I’ve been given so many blessings
No matter how good I’d continue my stressing
Once upon a time I literally had my dream
It didn’t stop my discontented stream
I had it all
It didn’t matter, further and further I’d fall
Now that everything is gone I finally see
It’s because I couldn’t forgive myself
That’s why I never felt free
Written by: Justin Ludwig
New Path
Reconnection with Keegan
It fills my heart
Far too long my illness kept us apart
Wake up to a text simply saying “good job dad”
Instantly dissolved me feeling so sad
I’m no fool, I got a long way to go
These random blessings Holy Spirit does show
“Justin keep on this path”
“you don’t have to suffer in that brutal aftermath”
“I can change it all, you just remain willing”
“I will continue with my Holy Spirit’s filling”
In days prior I was blind, unable to see
That it is possible, He can & will set me free
Day by day such downs and ups
I just must choose none of those things that corrupts
My life, mind, body and spirit
Accepting it’s OK not to know, I don’t need to fear it
Simply embracing these new connections
Avoiding my sick minds destructive dissections
Always expecting the worst
This self fulfilling prophecy has always been my curse
Finally ready to do something new
One foot in front of the other is all I must do
Written by: Justin Ludwig
God’s Loving Reminder
When I heavily began to lose hope
God seems to look at me, smile & say “nope”
“My child, don’t forget who I Am”
” I Am the God who can”
“I can heal”
” I can restore “
“Stay on My path and I can reconcile what you adore “
“your kids”
“your wife”
“Everything good lost in your life”
“I can and will heal your inner strife”
“At times it will be hard”
“My process sometimes will hurt”
“Because I Am scrubbing you clean from a lifetime of dirt”
“Don’t think too much”
“Just trust Me”
“Follow and obey My voice & one day you’ll see”
Holy Spirit reminded me of this today
No matter what on His path I must stay
This reminder I NEEDED to hear
As soon as I heard Him I shifted gears
My faith in Him I won’t let go or release
His voice, this reminder gave me peace
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Self Love
Self love has always been a mystery to me
Perhaps from past tramas I had to experience and see
Intellectually I know it’s the key
The blurry reality that can set me free
How do I let go
Simply to let the real me show
Not the mask of indifference
Or a smoke screen that I don’t care
The love I have for others with myself I need to share
If this enigma I cannot solve
All that’ll happen is I’ll continue to dissolve
I have a big heart
I care about you
But when it comes to myself I just don’t know what to do
From regret to self hatred I’m desperate to be free
Daily prayers that one day I will see
To awknowledge that I’m worthy of love
This wisdom I seek can only come from above
To truly believe that I am a new man
This the only way I believe that I can
On the surface it sounds so damn easy
When I think of self compassion truly it makes me feel queezy
This is my journey
The road that I am on
To find that self love & all self loathing be gone
Is it possible, I honestly don’t know
But what I do know is the past I must let go
I’m determined to experience this
So no longer self love am I condemned to continue to miss
Is this possible, I really don’t know
This hope I seek, I guess only time will show
Written by: Justin Ludwig
My Call
Admittedly my life right now is not great
I must remain grateful for its current state
Happy for the progression
Beats the heck outta painful regression
The healing is painfully slow
Accepting that that’s just how it’ll go
True healing takes time
Knowing at times it’s sour as a lime
This is the reason I love to write
It fights off the unknown future’s fright
No matter what may come
Reminding myself to not do something dumb
Something impulsive
Something destructive
Making each decision something constructive
Always actions of love, even if small
This is why I’m here
This is my call
Life’s not about me but serving you
This right here is what I’m called to do
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Action
I tried to do it on my own
Big shock, I ended up completely alone
Intellectually I knew God was with me
My solitude blinded me so His presence I couldn’t see
I couldn’t hear Him
I couldn’t feel Him
Day by day life became more grim
When we recognize we are in this state
It’s simple, with God set up a date
Open up His word
In prayer drop to your knees
In complete vulnerablity say God consume me, please
He will answer because He loves you
Turning back to Him is all we must do
It may not happen in a snap
But I guarantee you He will bridge the gap
Then to continue to strengthen that bond this is what you MUST do
Simply love the one in front of you
A kind word
A sincere smile
Has the power to uplift and give hope to someone who feels so defiled
So many people feel so alone
When we love in action Holy Spirit is shown
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Realizing Reality
Sometimes the pain seems too great
Truly coming to terms with your fate
Worst part is we were warned again & again
By those who’ve given up…that we once called our friend
By no means is this a pity party
My eye opening reality was just a bit tardy
Remembering my life’s calling
Has stopped my tragic falling
Keeping our eyes fixed on Him
Illuminating a life that became so damn dim
Remembering so clearly it’s not about me but about you
All I’m called to do is share my journey and what NOT to do
Don’t take things for granted
Don’t live for selfish desire
The secret is no secret be inspired by Holy Spirit’s fire
Nothing and noone is willing to wait forever
Don’t be fooled, none of us are that clever
To hide our secrets or our shady stuff
When we believe that lie believe me life gets freakin rough
But we mustn’t give up
Due to a past life that was corrupt
Each passing moment we can turned it all around
This is the reality in my struggles I have found
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Letting Go
Progress being made but I’m in a bubble
Healthy concern, once done can I remain outta trouble
Gifted with no longer blind to reality
Last inch of rope seems to have changed my mentality
Transformation of spirit, body & mind
A completely new life is my goal to find
Holding on only to my loves & the Lord
These my focal points when I find myself bored
What I seek; stillness, peace & hope
Ironically I’ve found in stillness it hard to cope
Always led myself to chaos & pain
Constantly remind myself in that what would I gain
Only more hurt, regret and loss
Just a matter of time til I pay the ultimate cost
Recognizing that I am a grown ass man
On my own two feet is where I must stand
Determined to follow only His lead
No longer my destructive side can I feed
Finally decided to live my life
Learning to navigate my cancerous internal strife
Sounds simple but it’s hard to let go
No tomorrow or yesterday
I just gotta let each day flow
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Moving Forward
Remind myself daily I can’t live in the past
This being the cause of my inner peace fast
Past regrets fueling my self destruction
The perpetuating fact of lifelong corruption
My mind, relationships and spirit
If I keep my eyes on Him there’s no need to fear it
Never again do I have to be who I was
This fact contingent on what the current man does
Seek Him
Seek peace and love others
Blessing each one of my sisters and brothers
Thousands of correct choices every single day
Will keep my autopilot of chaos at bay
To speak Truth but always in love
Will without words point to and glorify Him who’s above
This is my mission, my daily life goal
It won’t only serve others but bless my own soul
In this harsh world, easier said than done
I must be intentional to stay focused on the Son
Am I able to do this
I think that I can
This is my path to remain this new man
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Fresh Start
At forty again at square one
No ones fault because I’ve done what I’ve done
My peace, I refuse to let it dampen
In my desperation I’m making so much happen
Reestablish RawDisciple & healing my heart
Not to shabby given I’m back at the start
Vigilantly working on self restoration
Amazing what can happen in such desperation
Remembering in my spirit God’s personal calling
To love and bring hope to those that are falling
Drugs, desperation or booze
To inspire those on a path that guarantee to lose
Transparently share my trama and pain
Completely vulnerable for someone else’s gain
This is why my ministry is raw
Uncensored sharing of everything I saw
Things I’ve done & have been done to me
My only motivation the hope others will see
Living for oneself is tragic and futile
A life of self centeredness believe me is brutal
Such a lonely and empty life
Daily compounding of internal strife
When we finally see we’re called to help others
Putting ourselves aside to serve our sister and brother
This right here is what we’re all called to do
Simply to love the one in front of you
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Devotion
In my darkness I must remember my devotion
A commitment that must overshadow life’s commotion
My focus, I made a pledge
This keeps me from jumping off the ledge
The truth, this is what’s real
Regardless of how I feel
I made a vow to love
Gaining my strength from above
Holding fast that a miracle may come
Regardless of my past life’s sum
My mind always focused on the bad
Then foolishly vexed why I’m always sad
This right here doesn’t have to be
His Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to see
Life’s so much more than just my pains
Previously blinded I am more than my stains
Desperately, peace is what I seek
Easily forgotten when I begin to freak
Though my mistakes came with such a high cost
I must remember I don’t need to remain lost
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Gaining Wisdom
Everyday filled with a trial
Up to me if myself I choose to defile
Every hardship a chance to grow
The mindset that’ll determine where I go
Whether through strength or humility
This discernment gives me the ability
To gain wisdom and mature
This truth I definitely know for sure
When to walk away or stand my ground
This the discernment I have finally found
By no means have I conquered it
But little by little I better handle bullshit
Day by day I continue to grow
my objective, Holy Spirit’s presence to show
That not a soul is too far gone
Every single day is a brand new dawn
A chance to start fresh, to be brand new
With Holy Spirit this is something we ALL can do
Gratitude
Far too rarely I say
I am grateful for today
Recognizing His presence and His grace
So grateful He led me to this place
A place where I’m hungry and humble
By His grace deep in His presence I did stumble
God’s voice so clear in my heart
I pray never again do I feel apart
In my spirit I knew it never true
Believing the lie made me so damn blue
Never again will I go back
Holy Spirit reminding me that’s the fact
Seeking His Truth and His voice
That action is totally my choice
To spread His gospel and His love
Sharing with the world Him who is above
It blesses both you and me
Being reminded to open our eyes and see
We are called to love in action
This right here gives our life traction
Love the one in front of you
Simply this is what we’re called to do
Written by: Justin Ludwig
My Calling
A crossroad
No idea what to do
To get out of my head
Choosing to live life instead
Even the smallest thing
To this life what can I bring
Sharing a word of hope
Most effective way that I cope
With everything that is gone
Fueling development of new meaningful bonds
How I selfishly lived for myself
Can open the eyes of somebody else
Them not wanting to be like me
Can save them by helping them see
The path that I had
Leading to only feeling broken and sad
It brings such strong meaning
From a wasted life of treacherous feigning
I must continue to fight
Finally get this thing right
Knowing what I want to do
To help someone else….perhaps it’s you
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Connection
Can go through life feeling alone in it
Foolishly like we’re only going through it
This though is simply not true
Question is what do we do
We MUST reach out
Humbly though avoiding a shout
Finding someone
Sharing our pain
Our hesitation is what can we gain
Aware that there is no quick fix
Asking ourselves why add to the mix
Forcing ourselves to seek connection
An outside perspective giving direction
It’s up to us if we take it to heart
or foolishly pulling further apart
I’ve walked alone
Boy does it suck
I sink further and further into the muck
Once I finally stop the fight
Remembering simply to keep Jesus in sight
Seek seek seek the connection
Changing your life to a better direction
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Day by Day
Shattered beyond belief
Saturated completely his grief
Brain bleeds, seizures and his burns
What is it that he learns
There is no simple way to get out
No matter how hard he fights and shouts
Finally he sees he had to let go
In his life nothing good to show
Facedown on this cold bedrock
At last receiving his needed shock
No tomorrow
No yesterday
Only right now, what else can he say
So much pain
Finally ready
Even if his hope’s unsteady
he stands now on his last chance
Tired of self destructions dance
No more booze, no more dope
In God he must refined his hope
Will he win I do not know
Day by day only time will show
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Finally
A month of nightmares beyond belief
Finally praise God a time of relief
A time he finally dares to hope
Immediately seems to have changed his scope
what will come he does not know
Finally accepting only time will show
Finally with no determined plan
In the hopes it’ll make the new man
Who will he be
I guess only in time we’ll see
Finally a time of COMPLETE surrender
No longer does he have to be the defender
Will it work, I do not know
Simply he’ll have to let things flow
it’s all so darn new to me
The step by step watching to see
Finally he feel OK with this
Attempting to block out all that he missed
in his heart he starts to feel steady
Finally he feels that he is ready
written by: Justin Ludwig
Hell alive
My embarrassing admission
I got lost
Booze
Dope
Dad’s agonizing death
My kids disappeared in tail lights
Perhaps
Maybe just lights turned on
Pained cats get it
Sometimes it’s all we got
Then chaos hits
Wait
It was there forever
Then nothing
Just screaming walls
Then nothing
Then 4 kids blitz
Then nothing
Sudden no…38 years
I want to blame you
Them
Anyone
Just me
Then what
Filling the Void
For far too long I have been seeking to fill the emptiness that has haunted me since day one….atleast as far back as I can remember.
Drugs, booze, relationships…I desperately sought to irraticate the void. No matter what I had or what I lacked the hole remained, tainting every moment.
I came to realize something I once knew but chose to forget under the crushing weight of shame and fear.
My comfort is found in comforting others. My desire to press on will only be fueled by motivating and encouraging those who are discouraged.
If I want love I must be love
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Filipino Family in Need
Greetings Saints of The Most High,
I pray in the name of Jesus that this letter finds you well. We/RawDisciple Ministries had decided to take time off from requesting donations lately due to Covid and the financial stressors it created in so many lives. Many of you donors continued to donate without any sort of promotion or request. So for those individuals and families, RawDisciple as a whole, the two ministries in the Philippines and I, Justin Ludwig (President) thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, faithfulness and desire to love in action.
I have very recently been informed by both head pastors in both of our partnerships in Mindanao, Philippines and they are in need of help from the body of Christ, you and me. We/I very humbly but boldly are asking for your prayers, blessings and financial donations to help feed our brothers and sisters and get a powerful/impactful ministry able to get back on the road to where Jesus needs to be heard and experienced.
Current/Urgent Need #1
Pastor Lyndle is the head pastor for our partnership ministry in Dipolog City. He is the son of Pastor Advento who passed away this last year. Pastor Advento was the amazing man of God who took me into his home for over 2 weeks when I traveled there to proclaim the awesomeness of Jesus. Truly a great man of God.
Pastor Lyndle reached out to me, shoken up and in need. He proceeded to inform me that he had just gotten into a bad car wreck with their ministry vehicle (see attachment 1 & 2). I know from personal experience that without a vehicle over there, it cripples their ability to reach nearly as many people because of the long distances, rugged terrain and very sporadic weather.
Current/Urgent Need #2
Pastor Sehob is the lead pastor for our other partnership in Cagayan de Oro. Pastor Sehob was my interpreter for my 2 week trip to Mindanao a couple years ago and boy,talk about an awesome dude. Not only a man on fire for God. But such a hilarious, good man and I am honored to call him my friend and my brother. They have two pressing needs at this moment;
a) the first and most important is a severe lack of food. Knowing these individuals personally I know they only would specify food when they are in sincere trouble. So I know they desperately need our help.
b)The second need is they have started to build a septic tank but haven’t been able to complete it because they ran out of funds and could really use our help. No donation is too small.
I know both of these men and ministries personally and I cannot think of two groups of brothers and sisters in Christ with more integrity, love and a fire to proclaim Christ. We/RawDisciple hope and pray that God puts it on your heart to help however you can. If you are unable to financially donate we ask that you let others know of this need and what a very worthy cause it is. Most importantly we ask that you please pray for these needs and for our international families.
Me and everyone affiliated with RawDisciple sincerely loves each and everyone of you and am proud to call you our brothers and sisters.
Be the blessing and love in action.
(Donation and prayer info below)
Financial Donations
If you are led to help the cause for Christ you have a couple donation options;
‐-‐‐—‐——‐–‐—‐——————————————-
Mail: Make checks payable to “RawDisciple Ministries” 23564 Western Ave unit B. Harbor City, CA 90710
PayPal : https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PKKBN6TYSXVTW
Website Donation: https://www.rawdiscipleministries.org/donations-1
Email: rawdiscipleministries@gmail.com
Websites:
www.Rawdiscipleministries.org www.RawDisciple.com
RawDisciple Ministries
Justin Ludwig (President)
.
Unity not Politics
I don’t know about you but I dont care about the presidency. Hell I voted for a third party because I just dont like the chaos of two crazy choices every 4 years….. i just ask, please be kind to each other, whatever your political stance.
We the people means we the people, us, not government. Stand united against injustice, division, fear and political pandering. I pray that we the people open our eyes, come together and stop letting anger, fear and resentment fuel our downfall. Whatever your political views, race or sexual preference please know yes I am am Christian, I love you and stand beside you. Not only as an American but a freakin human being… there are many others just like me. Choose love over division and faith over fear. Be the change…be the blessing
Justin Ludwig
God is Good, Even When Life Isn’t
You know what I love? Those times in your life when everything is just as it should be. Those awesome times when the Son is shining in your life, lighting your path and you can’t deny feeling God’s hand in everything. You know the times I’m referring to, don’t you? When God’s presence is almost tangible.
These are the times I, as well as a majority of Christians sing God’s praises, and why shouldn’t we? We meditate on scripture like psalm 119:105 and fall in love all over again with God’s intricate tapestry that is our existence. We feel that our faith is unshakeable because we have Yahweh in our corner who loves us so…….
But then you wake up one day and something happens. That marvelous light that was a lamp for your feet and a light for your path suddenly seems to have faded. Things stop going your way …..your prayers seem to stop being answered and worst of all you don’t feel God’s presence anymore. Are you still singing God’s praises when you are deep in that valley?
Is your faith and love as strong when you feel all alone and everything seems to go wrong in your life? When life is awesome or when life seems like a nightmare, God is exactly the same. He loves us, He is just as sovereign and is always good, no matter our circumstance.
My prayer for all of us to continue to grow closer to Christ. That we will continue to develop a level of trust that never waivers regardless of circumstance and that we never doubt God’s hand on us, ESPECIALLY when we don’t feel His presence.
Brothers and sisters, this is faith. Having assurance in the unseen and yes sometimes the unfelt.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” -Heb 11:1
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ” Isaiah 41:10
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”- Heb 13:8
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path.”- Ps 119:105
Written by: Justin Ludwig
It’s Not About Us
It was about three weeks into Teen Challenge when I received some news that threw me over the edge. Because of it I had decided to give up. I immediately stopped caring and had decided that I was leaving. I was literally so angry I almost put my head into a window and then a poll. I was ranting, cussing as loud as I could and was trying to pick fights with guys I knew could beat me very badly. I had lost hope in my surroundings and I KNEW that there was nothing there for me……I sincerely had given up.
Amongst my insane rantings a small blonde guy came up to me as calm as could be and asked what was up. I proceeded to rant, panic, scream…..i mean, completely lose it. He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “F*** you, did you ever stop and thing that you aren’t here for you but that you’re here for me!?”
This statement/question stopped me dead in my tracks as if someone had shot me with a tranquilizer….it’s not about me. It was the ONLY thing that could have been said to calm me and give me perspective because in my own chaos and insanity all I could see was my own situation. Somehow my freak out reminded him of himself and it was the first time that he didn’t feel alone there……..
Each one of us must remember that we aren’t here for ourselves, we’re here for others
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Watch “Jesus is our Constant” on YouTube
Dying to Flourish
Lately the passage in John where Jesus is talking about the head of wheat that must die in order to flourish and birth a crop has been coming to mind There is such significance to this parable and I feel it is a crucial passage for anyone who wants to spread the Truth.
Since we are the image of that head of wheat, the message becomes clear that we have two choices; choose ourselves or choose the gospel. If our focus is on ourselves and our own well-being, all we will do is remain an intact head of wheat until we wither away and die. But if we choose to die to ourselves and live each day for Christ, then we become a living picture of the fallen, yet fruitful kernel.
By dying to our selfish ways of thinking, acting and living we instead choose to live for Jesus, which is love, service and grace. Each day we must pray on this passage and ask ourselves what is our priority?
Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Birth Days
The brilliance
emerges over unfamiliar fields
Seemingly unmoving, it rises
It’s Beauty tainted
Always by the familiar
Ushering in the repetition
my heart Cries out
How do i know?
When each thought
every feeling
Overlapping in an instant
so fast…..
A blur of Hope, wrapped in frustration
i long for what waits
So wait,
Rising
rising, rising
All the while the melody flows
another and again
Searching for what’s already obtained
Still I sit
still yet frantic
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Maintain Gratitude
One thing i realized while i was away was how much I take for granted. From waking up next to my wife, not having to wear shower shoes, to being able to decide what I will do with my day….it’s an amazing feeling when you get all those little things back.
Everything is a big deal and so greatly enjoyed and appreciated….then time drones on and we get used to things again and we find ourselves not only not grateful but miserable because of what we don’t have.
My prayer is that we all take stock and recognize all of our blessings. Don’t lose things before you appreciate them.
Justin Ludwig
Justin Ludwig
Today is the Day
In Acts 24:25 Paul is presenting his faith to governor Felix. Here Paul presents not only theological truths but practical applications of his faith, such as righteousness and self control. As he is talking, Felix stops him because “ he had become afraid.” Felix sent Paul away telling him that “when it is convenient for him” he would send for Paul again. The message that Paul was preaching was too overwhelming for Felix to tolerate, so he chose to dismiss it until it was convenient for him.
How many times have we turned away from God’s instruction because it was contrary to what we wanted to do? Whether it be stopping a sinful behavior, forgiving a brother or sister or delaying even coming to Christ because that means we would have to give up our right to do what we want when we want in order to follow Him. I have found it true in my life that saying “someday” is another way of saying never. Someday I will stop cursing,….someday I will quit this horrible habit… Someday I will stop living like this and turn to Christ.
The truth is that we are not promised tomorrow, and the truth is that life moves so fast that if we keep saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow”, then we are running the very real risk of losing our only opportunity. In Hebrews 3:13 it instructs us that we must act now” as long as it is called today”. We must not wait until tomorrow to forgive, to tell our families about Christ or accept Christ ourselves because tomorrow may never come.
We must act now, as long as it is called today
“As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” -Acts 24:25
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” -Hebrew 3:13
“Dear Children let us not love in words or speech but with action and truth.” -1 John 3:18
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Expectations Can Taint Blessings
How many times have our blessings been cheapened because they didn’t turn out exactly as we envisioned it or hoped it would be?
I was riding my bike down to the beach this afternoon. Since I have started with street ministry I have become very mobile, so I decided to go down and enjoy the sunset. About halfway to the beach my bike got a flat tire which stopped me dead in my tracks. At this point I had about 30 minutes until sunset, so there was no way I was going to make it to the beach in time. I happened to be near my brother’s house (which is also the house I grew up in.) I decided I had come this far so I might as well hang out on the roof of his house and make the best of it.
…..the sunset that followed was such an amazing display of beauty. With the dissipating marine layer, the colors were so brilliant, so beautiful….so perfect.
Lost in the beauty of the heavens exploding, for the briefest of moments nothing else mattered. I smiled and praised God…. All of a sudden I started thinking of how much better it would have been if I had made it to the beach.
In the first moment of brilliance I was consumed by beauty…. But as soon as I began to focus on what didn’t go as planned, it suddenly wasn’t as perfect anymore. It was in this moment when Holy Spirit revealed to me the very truth that inspired this writing.
We must stop looking for what we want to happen and be grateful for what God gives us… We must stop envisioning what God’s plan “should be” and then be upset or disappointed because it went a little differently than we thought it should have.
I am not preaching because I feel like the number one offender when it comes to this ungrateful tendency…. We can’t let the enemy’s lies or even our own plans blind us from the amazing blessings that are right in front of us.
Be blessed and love well my friends
Justin Ludwig
It’s Up to Us to Let Them Know
It breaks my heart that so many people leave God out of their lives. Whether it be from past pain or from skepticism, the end the result is the same. People become confused wanderers in a dark unfriendly world.
Some are aware of their wandering, others are not. But every single person needs to know the Truth, that they are sincerely loved, by you and more importantly by Jesus.
For so long I was that wanderer, because I simply didn’t know. I never experienced love without judgement or condition….. I didn’t know how much God truly loved me.
Everyday, each one of us has the opportunity to rock someone’s world with the love of God. Someone who may be drowning in their life or who has lost all hope….
Love in action, speak Truth and be the blessing, in Jesus name.
Justin Ludwig
What’s Salvation to You?
I was recently asked, “How have I and how am I enjoying my salvation?”
……for me
Enjoying my salvation involves me being free from beating myself up from my past, from wondering if there is hope or if I am good enough to be loved….
Sometimes I need to remember that
What is salvation to you?
Justin Ludwig
Fear isn’t Lack of Faith
For the longest time I have viewed my worry and stress as a glaring contradiction to my trust in God….
I trust Him, I truly do…. but I have always felt that the fact that I worry and stress was showing me that my faith isn’t as strong as I thought……i am starting to think that this isn’t the case at all.
I was talking with my pastor about this issue and he pointed out something in the form of a question. He asked me, “Are you turning back because of your fear and worry?” I told him, “No, because I know God has something in-store for me…. I just don’t know how to stop worrying because I feel like when I worry I am telling God I don’t trust Him.”
He told me “Justin, the fact that you are not turning back shows that you are trusting God. He draws us deeper and deeper into the water to prepare us for greater and harder things”
In that moment Holy Spirit whispered in my heart, “It is supposed to scary, that’s why you have Me.”…..
It is not important if we are afraid, what’s important is that we don’t turn back…. God will not give us more than we can handle….
In this life He is going to slowly but surely stretch us. It can be scary but if we make the decision to never turn back He will show up for us time and time again.
In the face of fear, choose faith
Justin Ludwig
Watch “Praying For My Uber Driver” on YouTube
How can I get more of You Lord!?
“How can I get more of You Lord!?”
We pray about it, we sing about it and today, I asked Holy Spirit about it.
I was praying and worshipping to some Jesus Culture this morning while walking to work. As I was praying I asked God, “How can I get closer to You?” “How can I be able to more consistently bask in Your presence?… Help me to be able to truly rest in Your promises…..tell me what to do Father.”
As I am praying this my mind immediately flashed a picture of Adam in the garden. It was so vivid and clear which I noticed immediately because I don’t have the best imagination. I have never experienced a vision from the Lord but I feel that is what this was. It almost felt like it was implanted in my brain;
Adam was crouching behind a bush with a look of confusion and fear on his face as God called out to him. His head was darting back and forth as if to be looking for somewhere to run. He had sweat on his brow as his labored breathing was visible. When the Lord called his name, (which I could not audibly hear but I knew/felt Him do it..somehow) Adam ducked his head a little lower and shook his head in frustration and shame….. then picture was gone.
Suddenly Holy Spirit whispered in my heart,” It’s not what you need to do, it’s what you need to stop doing.”
In that moment Holy Spirit revealed to me that I had let the enemy take a stronghold in my relationship with Jesus….. the enemy blinded me until this morning that I have been dodging deeper intimacy with God….because of things I haven’t wanted to face, can anyone relate to this?
In that vision, God made it crystal clear to me that just like then, it is not a matter of Him finding us. It’s a matter of us choosing to let ourselves be exposed to God in the most vulnerable of ways. Yes, He knows everything anyways but in that Adam experience we put up our own barriers between us and God…… at least I did.
We must remember how much He loves us and we must remain honest with ourselves.
The enemy’s non stop goal is to make us forget that Love, to doubt His grace. The devil knows that he can do nothing to take us from the embrace of the Lord. So he subtly and gradually tries to deceive us into choosing to back away from God.
No matter what you have done… no matter how good you feel you are doing. Allow yourself to be laid bare before our King, and trust in His love and grace….and I’ll do the same.
Be blessed and love well my friends
Justin Ludwig
Watch “It’s God’s Glory, not Ours” on YouTube
Take a Leap!
When I came to God it was because I finally let go. It was not because of some epiphany or spiritual moment. I was lying in the burned ashes of my life. I cried out in hopelessness….. and He answered.
It my complete brokenness and uncertainty I had no choice but to trust Him because I couldn’t even trust myself. And with every leap of faith I took my faith grew. I’m not saying every leap ended the way I expected or even hoped. But something was always gained and my faith in His character always grew.
The enemy uses fear and doubt to try and cripple us, keep us from God’s blessing.
Never be afraid to take a leap of faith….. Give God an opportunity to show up for you in amazing ways….just let go and trust Him and you will see.
Be blessed and love well my friends
Justin Ludwig
Cast Doubt in their Doubt
When a non believer tells me they know they are going heaven because they are a good person my response is always the same.
I ask them, “Compared to who?”
I have seen this simple question make the most cynical of scoffers pause and ponder. That’s what we are called to do. To cast doubt in the non believers disbelief…. Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.
I just wanted to share this with you so when you are presented with this rationalization, you now have an effective response.
Be blessed and love well my friends
Written by Justin Ludwig
Christian Goals
Remember the forgotten, love the unlovable and forgive the unforgivable. As Christians, this is our life’s work. Don’t get distracted by the trivial things of this world. Love well, forgive often and be the blessing this world desperately needs
Be the blessing and love well my friends, in Jesus name.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
We Are the Church!
Can’t Help But Respond in Love
The difference between the Christian faith and every other religion is one key factor; an obligation to do certain acts or deeds in order to go to heaven. As Christians we know that God loves us so much that He just gave us heaven through Christ’s sacrifice. So a Christian’s acts are not motivated from obligation but rather a response of gratitude and joy.
We are already free! Now let’s love and forgive accordingly
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:32
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? n the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” – James -2:14-18
Be blessed and love well my friends
Justin Ludwig
Watch “If You Want to Lead, Serve” on YouTube
Bask in the Blessing
How many times have our blessings been cheapened because they didn’t turn out exactly as we envisioned it or hoped it would be?
I was riding my bike down to the beach this afternoon. Since I have started with the street ministry I have become quite mobile, but I just wanted to go down and enjoy the sunset. About halfway to the beach I got a flat tire on my bike which stopped me dead in my tracks. At this point I had about 30 minutes until sunset, so there was no way I was going to make it to the beach in time. I happened to be near my brother’s house, which is also the house I grew up in. I decided I had come this far so I might as well hang out on the roof and make the best of it and watch the sunset anyways.
The sunset that followed was such an amazing display of beauty. With the dissipating marine layer the colors were so brilliant, so beautiful….so perfect.
I praised God in that moment, and then all of a sudden I started thinking how much better it would have been if I had made it to the beach. In the first moment of brilliance I was consumed by beauty. But as soon as I began to focus on this fact all of a sudden it wasn’t as perfect anymore.
It was in this moment when Holy Spirit revealed to me the very truth that I write now. We must stop looking for what we want to happen and be grateful for what God gives us. We must stop envisioning what God’s plan should be and then be upset or disappointed because it went a little differently than we thought it should have.
I am not preaching because I feel like the number one offender of this. Don’t let the enemy’s lies or even your own plans blind you from the amazing blessings that are right in front of you.
Be blessed and love well my friends
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Watch “So Many Ways to Love, Take Your Pick!” on YouTube
Watch “Johnny from the Flower Shop” on YouTube
Watch “Holy Spirit On the Move” on YouTube
In Your Darkness, God is There
God is right there, in the middle of our hurt and our pain, shouting that He loves us…..can you hear Him?
It was so hard to watch the cancer eat away at my dad. It seemed to be happening so slow, yet so fast at the same time. The range of emotions I experienced I won’t even begin to list. But with everything going on, time and time again, seeing God reaching out to my father was such a faith strengthening and amazing experience.
I found the entire ordeal with my father to be something of a bittersweet experience. Watching him wither away right before my eyes, his body not working, his mind fading fast, and a fear in his eyes that a child never wants to see on their dad’s face… it was just heartbreaking. But in the midst of this sadness, watching God work, by softening my dad’s heart, so I could finally have a relationship with him before the end. My mom drawing close to God because of the pain…. the seemingly random and amazing ways both my wife and I have seen God reaching out to dad, offering His love and salvation… it is just mind blowing. These are just a few of the blessings that have come about because my dad got sick.
This is what we need to recognize and focus on in the midst of the chaos and pain in our lives. If we focus on the pain instead of God, the burden becomes too great. When our focus is on God, the pain is still there, but we are now able to see how God is using the situation for His purpose. And watching Him comfort, love and bless those affected by their trails takes the chaos out of the pain, and that gives us hope.
He is good, always. My prayer for all of us is that we will hold onto that truth and never forget.
Justin Ludwig
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”-Is 41:10
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you”.-1Peter 5:7
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jer 29:11-13
Justin Ludwig
God’s Love
God is not capable of failing us…. He will never grow tired of us and He will never ever leave us….Most importantly, He is absolutely, indescribably head over heels in love with us and there is nothing that we can do to change that. Whether we are serving or sinning He loves us exactly the same……His love never changes. (Ps 136:1-2, Rm 8:37-39)
Justin Ludwig
Watch “Street Ministry” on YouTube
Motives are Everything
What is my motivation?……
This question is one that we as followers of Christ must ask ourselves on a continual basis. Throughout scripture it is shown and then reinforced again and again that it is not merely a matter of what we do, but why we do it.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus explains why the widow, who gave her only two pennies was far greater in the eyes of God than the rich man who boastfully gave a much large sum of money in the synagogue during its busiest time so everyone would see him. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus gives a crystal clear caution to not announce when we do good in the hopes of casting the spotlight on ourselves. We are told to let the world see our good deeds but so God can be glorified, not us,
……humility and sacrifice, in faith. Both birthed and sustained; by with and through Love.
I don’t share this to preach at anyone, because I share this from my own sinful heart, my own experience, vulnerability and brokenness…. none of us are immune to our pride and I will be the first to admit my weakness. But we must remain vigilant when it comes to our motives.
When I write a piece like this or I am feeling led to proclaim something; whether it be in a small group, Jesus Culture concert or to the person sitting right next to me. I have to ask myself;
“Do I want God to be heard, or myself?” “Am I writing this piece because I haven’t posted in awhile and needed something, or is Holy Spirit truly pulling at my heart over the importance of sincerity over works to the point where I had to share?”
All God ever wanted…. all He will ever want from us is to love and trust Him….
Try to imagine loving someone with everything that You are. I am talking a love that cannot be put into words. Now imagine if that person was only nice, helpful, respectful and loving towards you when other people were around to see it so people would think good of them?…..
We must search our hearts daily because our hearts are easily deceived by our pride if we are not vigilant. One scripture comes to mind that encapsulates this truth perfectly so I will close with it, 1 Cor 13: 1-7;
“If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.”
Be the blessing; love well, love often and love furiously, in Jesus name.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Love Well
At the end of my life, if I look back and see that I loved the best I possibly could….. it will be a life well lived. In the end all that matters is love, live accordingly
Written by: Justin Ludwig
God’s Word is Power
We must be fed the Word of God daily, that we may be strong to fight this daily spiritual battle. Just as the Holy Spirit used the Word of God to give us spiritual birth, He uses the Word to give us spiritual strength.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. – Matt 4:4
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Watch “Choose To Trust God” on YouTube
God’s Timing
God’s timing can be be frustrating and at times scary, but it is always perfect.
In those periods of waiting or silence remember, God must work in us before He can work through us. Holy Spirit needs to build our character in order to prepare us to be able to handle what He has planned for each one of us. I am not preaching, but if I was it is as much to myself as anyone else. We must stay the course and trust God, because He is trustworthy. Be blessed and love well my friends.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Grace Alone
Good people don’t go to heaven… forgiven people do. Stay humble and love well my friends.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” –Eph 2:8-9
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Confession of a Dead Man
I spent my whole life taking…..
I think that harsh truth fuels my urgency to love in action. I spent most of my life serving myself. With a combination of self loathing, whispers from the enemy, and a haze from whatever I happened to be addicted to at the time, I was able to to ignore what I was, a bad person. A man completely consumed by sin.
I lied, cheated and stole indiscriminately. It didn’t matter if it was my mother or a stranger, I would manipulate them for my selfish needs, and when manipulation didn’t work I would just take. I was emotionally and at times physically abusive. I lied constantly, cheated and schemed for a living and I was okay that….. this is the confession of a dead man.
Once Christ came into my life my eyes suddenly were opened to my condition. Suddenly my heart wept over the thoughts of the things I had done…. I still cringe at some of these memories that I used to be okay with… I cringe at the thought that I was even okay with it. I suddenly was unable to bear the sight of my selfishness, my destructiveness….my sinfulness.
These thoughts of my past didn’t and don’t make me feel ashamed, because I am brand new. All of a sudden I had a desire to love…. to go out of my way for strangers and a need to want to make people’s lives better, not worse.
This is what God does to every single heart He touches. God is love, and when He touches us, we can’t help but respond.
Be the blessing and love well, because when we love God is present. God bless
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
-1 John 4:12
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” -1 John 4:8
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone and the new is here.”- 2 Cor 5:17
Written by: Justin Ludwig
How Can a Good God Let so Many Bad Things Happen?
How can a good God let so many bad things happen?
This is probably one of the most common questions I have heard from not just non believers but believers as well. There is an answer to this question and I wanted to share it in the hopes that it will give someone a response when they are asked… or perhaps you are wondering this yourself. When we as Christians are asked such questions it is important for us to be prepared to defend what we believe with love and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
The answer is this, God gave us free will because He desires a love relationship with us, that’s it. It says in 1 John 4:8 that “God is love”…. everything God desires for us and from us is all rooted in love.
Without evil, one cannot choose good. To make us incapable of choosing evil, God would have to eliminate free will. If He eliminated the ability to choose then we would be incapable of love….and love is everything God wants from us.
So the question is why could God let this happen…. He wanted us to simply choose to love Him. Our choices as humans have brought us to this point, not God. Men chose evil over love, but they have the choice. This is a hard truth because what this means is that the innocent suffer right along with the evil….so many specific and personal scenarios, it doesnt seem fair. But we have to choose what we believe, God is either good or He isn’t.
Choose love, because it’s the entire point. Choose to trust Him, because He is trustworthy.
Be blessed and love well.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” Peter 3:15
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” -1 John 4:8
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Watch “When in Doubt, Love” on YouTube
Watch “Seek out the Forgotten and Love like Jesus” on YouTube
Watch “The Importance and Simplicity of Evangelism” on YouTube
We Must Proclaim, Now!
Only Jesus Satisfies
I have chased a fix my whole life. From drugs, women to cutting myself, you name it. My whole life I was longing for something…. maybe some of you can relate. I didn’t feel right… there was something missing and I just couldn’t satisfy that longing….. I didn’t know what it was that was missing, so I searched, and it damn near killed me
On my journey looking to fill an emptiness I didn’t understand, I discovered the Truth. And the truth is what I was longing for was God, and I didn’t even know it. In fact Jesus was the last thing I thought I wanted.
I have lived a crazy life; experienced the spectrum of emotions, highs and lows to a sickening degree and I am here to tell you that there is no better high….no experience greater than being in His presence and feeling His love. I’ve chased every fix and Jesus is the only thing that truly satisfies.
Don’t let the enemy deceive you… don’t let the illusion of worldly satisfaction distract you, it’s all a lie. Chase Jesus with everything you are and you will see for yourself.
He will complete you in ways you didn’t think possible.
“For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” -Ps 107:9
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Trust His Path
Not every night will have a happy ending, but every night is important…. it’s all leading somewhere, and only He knows where. Whether life is good or bad, we must stay the course and Trust that He will see us through.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
When Opinions Overshadow Compassion
We are not our politics, our social status or our country…. we are human beings.
When tragedy strikes it seems I see and hear countless comments of blame and claim but very little mourning for the lost of the innocent. Being completely real with you I have been guilty of this in the past on more than one occasion, maybe some can relate. When we get swept up in the politics of a tragedy instead of the actual tragedy; ie. arguing a point on gun control or getting upset because of some political move made by a world leader while nothe really focusing on the fact that innocent men, woman and/or children may have died, or worse. All the while overlooking the sheer horror of a situation or event…..
We cannot let our opinions replace the love of Christ in our hearts, we cannot turn a blind eye because it’s uncomfortable and we must always seek compassion and love over all else.
“I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.” – Ps 35:14
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”- John 4:7-9
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” -Col 3:2
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Photo credit: Rachelwojo.com
Choose Unity Over Being Right
Pentecostal, Baptist, Lutheran, Protestant and Evangelical. The list goes on and on…..
I don’t know if I am the only one, but my body tightens at the question that I am so commonly asked when meeting other christians. It seems to be the ice breaking question to ask someone what denomination they are.
This question bothers me because I don’t hear someone looking for common ground. I hear someone looking for differences, not necessarily intentionally but they are seeing if I am someone “like them”.
In the body of Christ we are one and when I see this division because of a group’s interpretation of a scripture it just feels wrong to me. It feels like we are saying that my views….my interpretation of the scriptures is more important than being united; one body, one church…..
I hear it all the time, christians talking down about believers of another denomination like they are fools or the enemy some how. It seems some have let their interpretation of the scriptures….. their personal views about the passage that are open to interpretation become more important than the Truth. And the Truth is if anything divides the church…. if anything takes the place of unity, grace and love then we have made ourselves more important than Christ in our own hearts. Because if our interpretation of scripture is dividing us, then our opinion or pride is more important than Christ, period.
In Christ we always find each other.
Choose unity over being right and choose love, always
Written by: Justin Ludwig
It Only Takes a Spark
When we understand that our ministry is about glorifying God and not ourselves, we recognize that the size doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if we touch one heart through a small blog or ten million through a mega church. Through Christ, each heart has the capability to change the world, ignite a revival or inspire hope, with a single spark.
Don’t let the world’s view of success discourage your ministry. It only takes a small spark to ignite a raging fire. Continue to throw out sparks wherever you go and trust that God will ignite a raging fire.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Free From The Lies
I fought my whole life….
I fought against an enemy that cannot be seen but that most are familiar with. An enemy that whispers into our ear that we are not good enough….. an enemy that won’t let us forget our mistakes…. an enemy that tells us that there is no hope for us. Being completely honest, I was losing this fight in a very real and devastating way for most of my life.
It wasn’t until I stopped fighting and surrendered that these lies lost their power over me and I felt something I had never experienced before…. hope.
Thank You Jesus setting me free!
Believe and Then You Will See
Sometimes in this life we are looking for signs. Messages from God clearly telling us if we should do something or not. I don’t know about you but I would love for God to give me a burning bush experience or some undeniable sign…. but it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes we have a hard time hearing God’s voice…. perhaps what we are asked to do seems more than we can handle.
So we wait for signs….
What if we simply leaned into our passion without reservation, knowing that God would come through for us?What if the only thing standing in our way is simply our lack of belief in that God is capable and will come through for us?
Think about it, He left the Israelites in the desert simply because they didn’t have faith. The Centurion whose servant was healed from being paralyzed simply because he believed Jesus could…… If we have the faith of a mustard seed we could move mountains….
Don’t let fear dictate your ministry, your path or your life. Learn to lean into your passion knowing that God will show up. And He will show up, because He is faithful.
Believe and then you will see
Written by : Justin Ludwig
Remember the Love
There always seem to be sad, gut wrenching memories that come to mind at random, but not today. I stand at my door, looking out my screen. My mind drifts to this year’s 4th of July…. I had my daughter with me. We were standing on my neighbor’s balcony and I had her in my arms… jeez her legs are getting so long. We watched the bright colors in the distance and chatted about whatever goes through a 7 year old’s mind…. It was perfect.
I remember recognizing the moment as a moment to really hold onto, to savor and focus on..… I had my daughter in my arms…..How many visits do I have before she stops asking me hold her like the little girl she will always be to me?
I weep at this recollection and so many like it…. but they are mine. An extremely precious gift from God…. No matter how fleeting they are, we must remain grateful and hold onto those moments of perfection. When love is so complete you feel you may burst….. Treasure these gifts, no matter how fleeting.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Remember the Forgotten
In the body of Christ we are one. From the man in the mansion to the man in the gutter…. from the pulpit to the prison cell, we are all equal in the kingdom of God. This truth is something that needs to be proclaimed and walked out every day of our lives. Hebrews 13:3 says:
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
This is why I am reaching out to you. Several months ago I got involved in a ministry called Christian Pen Pal Ministry (CPP). You are connected with people in prison seeking a friendship, and encouragement from other believers. Brothers and sisters in chains who need our love and support. I love this ministry because it is an opportunity to remember the forgotten and shine in the darkness in an impactful way.
If we seek Truth we find Christ, and in Christ we will always find each other. I encourage you to click the link and get involved.
Be the blessing and love like Christ
Written by : Justin Ludwig
Exiles of this Age
Holy Spirit impressed something on my heart I wanted to share with all of you. In Mark 5:1-20 Jesus comes across a cursed man. This man was possessed by not one demon, but a legion of demons. The hold that they had on this man was so great that he was written off by society. They exiled him to the tombs, hastily forgotten, helpless…hopeless. The villagers didn’t know what to do with the man. They tried everything they could think of to help him, then they resorted to simply trying to confine him. In their fear and desperation they chained the man down, but his demons were so powerful they snapped the chains like strings. Unable to deal with him, they exiled him to the tombs, to suffer in his torment.
Imagine this man, possessed by such darkness. The scripture says he howled into the night, cutting himself with stones…. The pain of this man… this man who fell victim to a darkness much stronger than himself.
Everyone was terrified of this man, Jesus sought this man out. Everyone wrote him off as a lost cause, Jesus saw a man who needed to be set free.
This is such an inspirational model for every one of us. We cannot turn a blind eye to the exiles of this age. We must not confine our ministry to that of our own comfort.
There is a large world out there, filled with so many people without hope. People broken, lost, hurting and alone. Those outside of our comfort zone that are howling in pain like this possessed man. How will they know the hope we have found unless we tell them?
The homeless man, the convict, the orphan… Men and women bound and gagged in their sin, their pain or their circumstance.
I am not saying that you should head down some dark alley looking for lost souls. I am just saying that He wants to use you. Don’t be afraid or over think how what you should do. With a single smile or a word said from love, the Holy Spirit is capable of changing the heart and life of a person otherwise hopeless.
Jesus has called us not to stand on the sidelines, but to roll up our sleeves and love the unlovable. It is our responsibility to remember the forgotten and give hope to the hopeless, in Jesus name.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matt 28:19
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Love Never Fails
Sometimes I feel like I may disappear….
Lost in the shuffle of the same papers since the fall
Accumulation…..
gain and accomplishment
again and again
Lost like a whisper in the wind
Hypothetical memories torn and tattered
Like the faded memories on life support in a wallet
Love…..
It carries forward
A force that cannot be contained
by the tangible or even the rational
…..it the darkness we cry
In the darkness it screams
Love never fails
Written by: Justin Ludwig
We All Have a Story, Here’s Mine
For as long as I can remember I was unhappy. No matter what I would do or what I would experience nothing ever seemed to take that empty hopeless feeling away. Which is probably the reason why I turned to drugs and alcohol at such a young age. I had found my place in this world, and that was tucked away, disconnected and simply trying to escape from how much it hurt to simply be alive. I won’t go into all of the details of how my life fell apart, but my addiction and self destruction cost me everything. Once my wife and kids left me I made a decision to handle the situation the only way I knew how. I was going to go on one last insane run and just hope that it killed me so I could just be done with all of the sadness.
I remember when I made that depressing decision. I said a prayer to a God I didn’t know and I told Him I didn’t expect Him to help me. I knew He felt the same way about me that I did. That it was my fault and I didn’t deserve saving. I remember thinking, “Who am I to ask for help, I deserve all of this.”
The days rolled on, chaos overlapping chaos until the pain and despair was all that I could see. I had receded into the shadows with no thought of making a change for the better… I had truly given up on myself and there was nothing stopping me from completing my lifelong run of self destruction.
Then one night like every other night I was driving. I looked in my rear view mirror to the twinkling of flashing red and blue lights. I received a 4th DUI which landed me with a felony on top of everything else that was going on in my life. I had no clue, but when that squad car door slammed shut, I had begun down a road that was going to change everything. That felony left me with two choices; I could do a year in state prison or I could go into some program called Teen Challenge.
Repeating similar patterns I decided to take the easy way out and go into the program. My plan was to do my time, play the part and get my felony taken care of so I could go back to my so called life. A month or so into this year long discipleship I was sitting in a worship service scanning my bible. I was just killing time more than anything else and my eyes focused on a single verse. I stared at it and unintentionally I muttered it outloud, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
It was such a comforting statement….I just couldn’t understand why.
So I began to pay attention. I began to learn of a God so different from what I had thought I knew. A God not of condemnation but of neverending love and patience for me, for us. Not disgusted or angry with me like I once thought. Being a father myself, the love of a Father on the divine level really intrigued me and drew me in. Not being able to fathom how much God loves us opened my mind to the infinite.
Through that year with everything that I learned I was convinced. This sounds like a strange way of describing it, but I am a skeptical person by nature. The presence of the Holy Spirit was undeniable. But all of the study, teaching and experience that I was exposed to there showed me that our faith is not a fairy tale, that it’s real.
I graduated in 2013 and immediately got plugged into a local church which is my home church today. I joined a small group to get me plugged in, which evolved into me being the facilitator of an ongoing weekly small group so diverse and loving that my faith and love can’t help but continue to grow. In the last several years God had placed me and used me in ways I never would have dared dream.
I love to tell my story because looking back is when my faith is strengthened. When I am reminded that if all of those horrible,….just terrible, painful things didn’t happen to me, I never would have gotten to where I am at today. Each piece of the puzzle fitting perfectly into place. And when I recognize that God’s plans are so far beyond anything I can anticipate, understand or predict, I will be able to to remember…. to have the wisdom, “To simply be still, and know that He is God.”
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” Ps.46:10
Written By: Justin Ludwig
Every Response Matters
I read the comments on Facebook and see Christians spewing hate in response to non believers automatic assumptions that Christians are judgmental hypocrites…..I read these things and my stomach tightens.
We as believers either cast doubt in the minds of the scoffer or we reinforce their views of Jesus and believers. We cannot let our pride pervert our ministry.
We are promised that we will be hated because of the name of Christ. So we must expect it and respond with the unexpected, love.
Be the blessing and represent Him well.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
I find it so incredible how the Spirit speaks to us. I was walking into work this morning and as I am walking up the stairs, I dropped my keys. As soon as I heard them hit the ground I froze. I heard something, it was an almost audible voice in my head saying,
“You are not immune.”
I kid you not, I stood there for atleast a minute, staring at those keys, mumbling to myself, “I am not immune.” It didn’t hit me right away, but about an hour into work it clicked and I understood what He was showing me.
For as long as I can remember, every time I would see someone drop something, I would joke in my head that if I was holding it, I wouldn’t of dropped it. It’s silly I know, but what can I say, I’m weird. And when those keys hit the floor, with that joke as far from my mind as could be, I found myself recognizing that even I couldn’t stop myself from letting those keys drop out of my hand. Which guided my thoughts to a verse.
“Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.” -Psalms 26:2
That’s when I realized that the Spirit was both reminding and warning me about the severity of my condition. The bottom line is that I/we have a sinful, selfish and destructive heart. As a human we were just born with this sinful condition, passed down through Adam, and we will remain that way until we are glorified with Him.
There are so many things deep within me that can throw me off track in my walk with Christ. Selfish, sinful motives….my pride. Dare I say unintentional distortion of God’s word. Perhaps from past hurts or points of view that had been ingrained into me since birth. We all have things like this. If we didn’t then there would be no need for a Savior.
What the Spirit was reminding me was that if I don’t remain vigilant with the knowledge that I am not immune to this sin condition…. That if I am not vigilant in inspecting myself against the word of God daily, then I will surely become one of those Christians who lost their way.
I am not talking about the ones who turned away from God. I am talking about those who still truly believe that they are perfectly in God’s will, but their sin has changed their path. Their pride skewing their perceptions and intentions … and they just can’t see it.
Before we know it, we have become modern day Pharisees, proclaiming God’s greatness for our own glory.
Until we are face to face with Christ we are at war. With the powers of darkness and with the darkness within ourselves, and they both seek to destroy us. We must remain vigilant, humble, and seek His face, always
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Photo from: Google Images
Jesus Will Light Our Way
The Spirit is always speaking to us, and if we are in tune with Him, the seemingly trivial events of our day to day life have the ability to reveal to us His truth. With that said I wanted to share a quick story with all of you.
Almost every morning when I get to work it is the same thing. I lock up my bike, I walk into my building and head to the bathroom to get myself situated to start my day. I open the door to the bathroom and walk in, expecting the motion sensor to see me as I enter and automatically turn the light on, and every morning I walk in, and that stupid light doesn’t turn on. I make it around 4 steps in complete darkness, waiting for something to happen, but nothing does. I guess I assume if I walk a little further or move enough the light will click on. Every morning it is not until either I simply turn towards the sensor, or reach out and almost touch it that the lights turn on and I am able to see.
I always laugh at myself and think,”Damn Justin, how many times are you going to do this? You know what will turn the light on, So just do that fool!” This is the Spirit’s almost daily reminder for me. Pointing out how ridiculous it is for me to stumble around in the darkness trying to figure things out for myself, instead of doing what I know will work, and that is simply to turn to Him to illuminate the way.
I smile every time I turn around and that light clicks on, because I have been guilty of this in my walk with Christ on way more than one occasion. I’m sure all of you can relate. We know what we are supposed to do, but for some reason, even though we know that God will help us and make things clear for us, we still sometimes insist on fumbling around in the dark, hoping the light will just turn on and show us what to do or where to go.
God is always right there, waiting for us to turn to Him, so He can shine in our lives.
Write this truth on the tablet of your heart. Accept His offer of love and guidance and seek Him in everything you do, especially in the trivial, and He will light your way.
“But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.”-2 Chronicles 15:4
“Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.” -1 Chronicles 16:11
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” -Psalm 16:8
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” -James 1:5
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” -Psalm 119:105
Written by : Justin Ludwig
I want to Share Your Experiences with God
Recently I have created a Facebook page which has the same mission as my blog, which is to glorify Christ. I wanted to reach more people and I felt this was a way to do it.
It has been a blessing so far knowing I am reaching so many more people to share about the awesomeness of God. If you have a powerful testimony or have a writing that glorifies Christ, inspires hope or even a vulnerable encounter you have had with Him that you feel needs to be heard, I am offering you a chance to be heard by more people. No tricks, you get all credit… I just want to glorify God.
I can’t assure that I will use every one I receive but I want to share other peoples stories and experiences, not just my own. If you want to look up my page before you send me a piece just search “RawDisciple Ministries”
I feel this is an opportunity for you to get your voice heard by more people and help me share about Christ. If you are led, send the link, to rawdiscipleship4u@gmail.com
Justin Ludwig
Victorious Surrender
I fought my whole life…. I fought against an enemy that cannot be seen but that most are familiar with. An enemy that whispers into our ear that we are not good enough….. an enemy that won’t let us forget our mistakes…. an enemy that tells us that there is no hope for us. Being completely honest, I was losing this fight in a very real and devastating way most of my life.
It wasn’t until I stopped fighting and surrendered that these lies lost their power over me and I felt something I had never experienced before…. hope.
Thank You Jesus setting me free!
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Watch “Teen Challenge Creation Skit” on YouTube
I came across a video from when I was in the Teen Challenge on the Drama Team. We would go to churches and schools, perform and then share of the power of God in our hopeless situations to inspire hope.
Sharing our hope is what we are called to do…. no matter what it may look like.
Teen Challenge 2013 Drama Team- “Creation Skit” (Me)
Justin Ludwig
Called to Love in Action
“Dear children, let us not love in word or speech, but with action and in truth.” -1 John 3:18
God has called each of us to love. The love that God desires from us is not a feeling or an emotion. It is a call to a action. It is a call to put the needs of others before our own, especially when we don’t feel like it. There is a whole world out there of broken souls who are desperate for hope, for love….for Jesus
We are called to love in action and I just want to be a resource so you can get involved in a ministry.
Below are several links to different organizations that you can get involved with. If you know of any causes that you would like to see added to this list, please contact me and let me know.
This is your call to love like God desires and bring light to this broken world.
Baja Bound Ministries -Building Homes for the Working Poor
Teen Challenge – Christian Discipleship for Addiction
Addicts Aren’t Beyond Hope
There are countless people battling with addictions and other sin issues. People who desperately need Christ to set them free from the bondage that has consumed their lives. Perhaps someone is coming to mind right now…. perhaps it’s you.
Teen Challenge is a one year Christian discipleship that takes in people of all ages who have been overtaken by their sin, addiction or other struggles. They have centers all over the world and they know that Christ is the solution to the drug and/or addiction epidemic. If you know someone, pass it on. If you are battling yourself, take a look. If you feel led, you can donate through the link as well.
I went to Teen Challenge in 2012 and my life has never been the same, all glory to Jesus! I was as bad as it gets for most of my life. I was strung out, full of hate and pain. Thanks to this ministry and the grace of God I have been redeemed! It was all God but Teen Challenge gave me the foundation in Christ that I needed to overcome a lifetime of addiction, hurt and brokenness. I tried everything from rehabs, jail and mental wards…. gutters, inpatient and outpatient programs… nothing worked.
I am walking taking proof that no one is too far gone, nobody is beyond redemption, and through Christ everyone has hope.
I encourage you to get involved, however that looks. Be blessed my brothers and sisters.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
How Can I Serve You?
RawDiscipleMinistries, rawdisciple.com
Below are three links depending on why you would like to reach me. If you would like to contact me regarding something other than these please feel free to email me at rawdiscipleship4u@gmail.com
Prayer is power. I want to pray for you!!!
Can you hear Him?
Can you hear Him?
In the midst of the chaos, He is assuring You that He is in control…..in the middle of our very personal, excruciating pain and sadness, He is screaming how much He loves us…. can you hear Him?
I’d like to say that I always feel completely confident in my faith, but that would be a lie. There are times when the pain is so deafening it seems to distract me from hope and His voice is drowned out…. I begin to feel like I am sinking…. then the doubts begin to whisper. “God has left you”…. “you are just fooling yourself, give up”…. “you are alone and hopeless”….
Unfortunately in our journey with Christ we will not always feel His presence or comfort. We won’t hear His voice and we will feel like we are on our own. Speaking just for myself, this place can be terrifying. When my world seems to be crumbling down around me and God seems to be silent….
It is in these times we must choose to trust. These times can be the hardest for a christian. When everything inside of us is screaming doubt, hopelessness or fear. When we must disregard every fiber of our flesh and rationality and choose to trust that God hasn’t gone anywhere….. that He is working on something. It is in these places that we must choose to believe that He does love us and that no matter how hopeless it seems, He will come through.
We won’t always hear His voice, but I am here to tell you without a doubt that God is right there, in the middle of your agony, screaming His love for you.
Choose to believe and you will be blessed.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
We Need Love
I am so tired of the anger and hated…..the insane political division and suspicion on every level.
Sometimes I feel like the only one, looking in from the outside, weeping for humanity…. This world so desperately needs love.
Some may scoff at this proclamation but I stand by it with everything that I am. We must choose love. We must look past ourselves to the needs of the one beside us and then act.
This is the only hope we have. We must be the blessing and help change this broken world.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
So Much Joy, So Much Pain
My heart weeps over the randomness of my recollections…..
The look on my dad’s face when his mom refused to see him on his death bed….. the look of pride of my father’s face when I hit a home run or did something that pleased him as a child. The look on my kids face that first moment we are reunited after 3 months of longing for each other… that pure excitement and joy! Immediately my mind is pulled to their faces waving goodbye in the rear view mirror driving out of my life……such heartache.
So much pain….. so much joy.
I try to focus on the beauty but the gut wrenching images always seem to taunt them, even if only slightly.
Our lives are a series of blessings, heartaches and adventures. The enemy will draw from our pain and remind us constantly…. I know he does for me. Constantly attempting to rob us of the joy that God has given us and the joy we have experienced through our relationships and our journey.
This is where action meets our faith. God is good…. God is awesome in fact and He will fill us with hope. What we must never forget is at the same time there is a very real enemy who is constantly trying to undo everything that He does.
This is the reality of spiritual warfare in each of our lives. The devil constantly trying to remind us of the hurt… the times God did not give us what we wanted or when He didn’t answer the prayer that still causes us pain. A lyric comes to mind, “When you didn’t part the waters I wish I could have walked through, still I will trust in You.”
I speak now from a place of attack and sadness. Right this moment I feel the tears welling up because if the hurt and pain….. but we must remember the goodness of God. The blessing upon blessing He has rained down in our life. This is how we fight off these attacks from the enemy. We must not let the enemy rob us of the joy that God has already given us, and has promised to continue to give us.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” -Phil 4:8
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Why do you love Jesus?Please Share Your Hope!
Who is Jesus to you? Jesus asked Peter this question with great passion
This is a question that every single christian needs to know the answer to…. if they don’t, then why are they following Christ in the first place?
Beyond the clichés and the Sunday school lessons…. Dig deep and truly ask yourself, who is Jesus Christ, personally in your life. This is a very personal answer because as you know, the walk with Christ is an intimate, personal one.
I hope and pray that anyone who reads this will comment with their intimate, personal answer to this question. There is no “right” answer and I pray Holy Spirit will inspire you to share your love affair with us…. when we share our story, we share our hope and we grow stronger, together.
For myself, Jesus taught me not only to not hate myself but that I am worthy of love. Jesus is my hero because he changed things in my life that would have been impossible without Him.He completely softened my heart and freed me from a lifetime of self destruction. He showed me that I am loved and showed me how to let go of my past. Jesus is my strength… He gave hope to a man who has been without hope his entire life.
Be blessed and love furiously.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Soldier’s for Christ
When I don’t feel God’s presence it freaks me out a little.The doubts, anxieties and frustrations intensify in these times and sometimes I wonder…..am I kidding myself? In an attack, I begin to doubt and second guess everything. This is a humbling thing to admit this but the truth is the truth. When I find myself either under spiritual attack or simply completely overwhelmed by life I try to think back to a sermon I heard once.
It was a true story about a soldier who was sent on an important assignment. He was a sniper and was going to take out some enemy leader behind enemy lines. This guy planned and studied for this mission for weeks. This planning was deciding the path to take to avoid the enemy’s patrols, exit strategies, his position for the assault and every other possible angle that could or would play a factor. After lengthy preparation the soldier was confident in his mission plan. He was going to crawl several thousand meters through heavily patrolled and fortified enemy territory to a spot he determined the best opportunity for achieving his goal. He knew his plan was not going to be easy. In fact he knew it was going to be painful and a real test of his commitment to the “cause” and his objective.
In the early evening this soldier began his inch by inch slither into position. He was rested, confident and vigilant. As the days of slow, inch by inch creeping wore on he began to weaken as fatigue set in. His stomach cramped, his lips were parched and the constant close calls with the enemy was wearing on his nerves. I would imagine sleep deprivation beginning to take its toll since he was in such a vulnerable position. I would assume he didn’t sleep much….. he was tired. When all of the planning meets the very painful reality of the mission…. this is where this soldier was at.
Then his mind did what I think most if ours would in the same or a similar situation, he began to compromise. He was 450 meters short the position decided upon earlier as their best chance of success….. this man was so tired, facing almost certain death and was convinced that he didn’t have to go the entire way to complete his mission…. he was so depleted feeling and it sounded like a good idea and was sounding better by the second.
Completely exhausted and running desperately low on hope he made the decision to continue on the last 450 meters to the original spot. The way he saw it, he had made this plan in the right state of mind. This plan was formulated after a lot of research, deliberation and thought. He recognized that if that was the conclusion that he decided on when he was in a right state of mind he would have to trust that decision. In his wisdom and training he recognized that he could not trust his own thoughts now that fear, fatigue and a dwindling hope was distorting his thinking.
He decided he would have to ignore every bit of fatigue, fear or exhaustion. He chose to disregard every shout of his mind to give up, that you can’t do it! His body and mind had turned against him. He had to decide if the mission was more important than all of that pain and discomfort……
When we accepted Christ we had an encounter. Everyone’s story is special, unique and connected at the same time. Something happened that brought us to a decision that we are/we’re going to follow Christ. We saw the Truth and knew exactly what we needed to do….. then the months and years roll by. It seems to be one tragedy after another. Death followed by death… your children go away and you hurt. You lost your job or your entire life seems to be crumbling around you…… these are the times we MUST draw on the wisdom and strength like this soldier did. Every single one of us that made the sincere decision to accept and follow Christ is a soldier. We are soldiers for Christ because we saw the plan, in our sound minded discernment we decided to trust our Leader.
We cannot let the fatigue of our trials, disappointments, and pain lead us into believing the lie….
God is positioning us….He is using us, and if we continue to draw off His strength and persevere, we will succeed. The exciting thing is, we won’t know what that looks like, until we get to where God is calling us.
Trust in your decision to trust Him….. no matter how you feel. God is good and if You seek Him, you will be reminded of that time and time again.
“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. -2 Tim 2:3
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Stand fast brothers and Sisters. If you need prayer to help you persevere click the link and let me pray for you.
https://rawdiscipleblog.wordpress.com/prayer-requests/
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Blessed to be Broken
In the blink of an eye I am a thirty three year old man. I look over my life and shudder because of some of the choices I’ve made. I spent my whole life destroying myself and I had a bad habit of hurting others in the process.
I look back on my life, before I knew God and remember….I don’t ever want to go back to that place.
I have come to recognize my self destruction as a blessing. By this I mean, when I begin to drift from the path He has called me to, the darkness always comes back, and it comes on in way that I cannot ignore… When I am not seeking Him with all of my heart I begin to listen to tell lies of the enemy and they begin to crush me.
I thank God for my addictions, my depression and my past because it is only because of those things that I will never forget that I am lost without Jesus. Without Jesus I, you, we all are doomed to an eternity alone, without hope and without love.
For some, when they decide to turn away from God, they live a seemingly happy life. Blinded to the fact that just because they turned their back on God, doesn’t change the facts. They are able to ignore their fate because they have the pleasure of the world.
I am blessed, because I am broken
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Grace & Warfare
Grace…. His love for us is so far beyond our finite comprehension….. To fathom the mind of God is truly a humbling experience. An impossible journey into Something so far beyond us that it truly boggles the mind.
When I think about His love and grace I find myself constrained by my very human thinking, how could I not?…. the depths of His grace and love is so far beyond any of our comprehension…. I always pray that this extremely crucial truth in written on each and every saint’s heart and that every single one of us focuses on this truth deeply and often.
I cannot stress enough that this is not me preaching!!! This is me desperately wanting every person to understand how free, and how loved they are, even if they don’t fully comprehend it. There are Christians still shackled in the illusion that they are not forgiven. They carry around such guilt and shame….. they doubt that God loves them or their very salvation. THIS CAN NOT STAND! We all must understand the reality of what we have been given and share this truth so that no one is fooled by this lie from hell!
A quick glimpse into me, I have always been the hardest on myself. I have a feeling quite a few of you can relate to with me on this. Even when people would forgive me, I couldn’t accept it. I would continue to beat myself up over mistakes, both intentional or not. I never felt I was being adequately punished, (whatever that means) so as a result I carried a lot of guilt.
In hindsight, this inability to forgive myself was one of the more effective chains that satan used to successfully bind me for so many years. I was unaware of the grace of Christ at the time but the self condemnation took me into such darkness that I had no hint of light……I was consumed by the darkness of self hated.
This is a tactic used by the enemy continuously in the hearts and minds of believers and non believers alike. He wants us to forget the fact that we already have victory. He wants us to doubt our salvation….. he is constantly whispering, because he wants us to doubt our worth based on our mistakes.
“Am I really saved?”,”I keep messing up, I must not be saved because I keep sinning.” How many of us have said or at least thought this at some point as a believer?
And for the non believer, “How could God forgive me!? I can’t even forgive myself!!! I deserve punishment, pain and every bad thing. You don’t understand what I have done!! My past is unforgivable!”….. this quote right here was the truth of my condition until Holy Spirit changed my heart, praise God!!
I am going to be real with you, my heart still aches over a time a yelled at my son because he wanted me for something but I was too busy… This random moment, like a million others, randomly come to mind…. Sometimes I shrug them off and other times they take root. The enemy’s whispers have the ability to drag me/you down to a place of darkness. I begin to feel the familiar pull of self loathing, guilt and hatred that I had carried all of my life.
I kid you not y’all, spiritual warfare is for real and we are always vulnerable while on this earth. We have protection and power yes. But the reality is there is an enemy and he is specifically after you and me. And if we don’t hold close to Holy Spirit and other believers, we will not make it!
We must know what we believe and we must know how to stand up against the devil’s schemes, lies and tricks!
This place of self condemnation robs us of basking in the scandalous grace that God has already given us. I can only speak my story, because it’s the only one I know. And for me, these self condemning whispers are a reality for me to this day….the enemy is always pulling at me. Trying to use my very human thinking against me…. and he will do the same to you.
Sometimes the guilt of our mistakes allows the enemy a foothold. We feel we don’t deserve to be forgiven so we condemn ourselves. The beautiful truth is, we don’t deserve it, but we get it anyways! God’s love and grace is so far beyond our comprehension. Be blessed and bask in the freedom of His amazing grace.
Be blessed and bask in the freedom of His amazing grace.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. Isaiah 41:10
“As far as the east is from the west, so far had He removed our transgressions from us Ps. 103:12
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Our Message
Why do I write?
For as long as I can remember my head has always gone so fast. Thought after thought and then thinking about those thoughts….. If you ever met me and spoke to me you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that my mind is constantly going… I talk extremely fast….some would say frantic.
I have so much to say and I just can’t seem to properly articulate my thoughts fast enough or eloquently enough to convey my true message. Sometimes my message gets lost in my stuttering….my tendency to talk fast can and does distort my messages from time to time. Other times I simply lose my train of thought. It is very frustrating to never be able to communicate the intricacy of an insight or to properly share an experience I have had with God.
I thank God for giving me the ability to write. I by no means think I am some talented writer. But what I do know is that through Holy Spirit’s help, I am able to clearly and concisely share with the world what Christ had done in my life. And the awesome thing is people seem to respond!
Honestly, I don’t fully get it because my grammar is atrocious and I make the most basic of errors. But through my writing, people are able to see beyond the flawed person that is Justin and are able to hear of a God so good, so powerful and loving. They are able to hear of a God that saved a man so broken…. so lost, through His amazing grace and overwhelming love. They are able to hear what I am actually trying to say and they are able to gain hope because God can be properly glorified because the work He has done in my life is truly a miracle.
I wonder if Paul felt this way? He was not a charismatic speaker… He did not have a commanding presence and he didn’t exude power when he spoke. Not to mention that this guy was most likely not an impressive looking man. He endured so many beatings, flogging and stonings for the sake of Christ that he must have looked very broken, frail and weak.
But when he put the pen to the paper and let Holy Spirit take control… this flawed, “unimpressive man” faded away and all that was left was his message.
Don’t ever let your shortcomings stifle your ministry. If you are not a speaker, then write. If you are not a writer, then pray. If you cannot pray then love. Your message will be heard… just let Him show you how to share it and then boldly and fearlessly do it.
“For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” -2 Cor 10:10
“Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? -Ex 4:10-11
Written by: Justin Ludwig
Gratitude Now
We all make mistakes in our lives. Some we learn from, rectify and move on. Others follow us until the day we die. If we take those we love for granted, it will haunt us until the very end. Don’t fool yourself into believing that you deserve what you have been blessed with. Right this second, stop what you are doing, call your children, call your spouse, and tell them.
Written by: Justin Ludwig
